Information and point service method by keyword keyskin

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an information and point service method by a keyword keyskin. The type of a keyword keyskin and a unique identification value of an Internet service user are stored in a service-user computer connected to an Internet communication network. When the service-user computer transmits a request signal for keyword keyskin set information according to the type of the keyword keyskin which covers a keypad to a keyword keyskin set information providing server, the keyword keyskin set information providing server receives the signal, retrieves the keyword keyskin set information and a unique identification value of the keyword keyskin set information providing server from a recording medium on the basis of the received data, and transmits the retrieved data to the service-user computer. The service-user computer receives the data transmitted from the keyword keyskin set information providing server, and stores the keyword keyskin set information and the unique identification value of the keyword keyskin set information providing server, which have been received, in a recording medium. The service-user computer receives a hot-key command, which the user has inputted through a keyword expressed on a keyword-keyskin keypocket covering the keypad; retrieves a value corresponding to the received hot-key command, the unique identification value of the service user, and the unique identification value of the keyword keyskin set information providing server from the recording medium; generates a request signal for an Internet service on the basis of the retrieved data; and then transmits the generated request signal to a service relay server. The service relay server receives the request signal; retrieves points of the service user, activity results of the keyword keyskin set information providing server, a unique identification value of the service relay server, and request-keyword-related data from a recording medium on the basis of the received data; calculates and stores the points of the service user and the activity results of the keyword keyskin set information providing server in the recording medium; generates a request signal for an Internet service on the basis of the retrieved data; and transmits the generated request signal to a service page providing server. The service page providing server receives the signal; retrieves points of the service user, activity results of the service relay server, and request-keyword-related service page data from a recording medium on the basis of the received data; calculates and stores the points of the service user and the activity results of the service relay server in the recording medium; and transmits an Internet service page to the service-user computer on the basis of the retrieved data. The service-user computer receives the transmitted service page, and outputs the received service page to a display means. According to the present invention, an Internet service user can very conveniently use Internet services with a hot-key at once while seeing various Internet service-related keywords expressed on the keyword-keyskin keypocket, and can also easily accumulate points corresponding to activity usage results, so that it is possible to contribute to improving informatization levels of Internet service users, and also to contribute to narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in information and increasing the degree of Internet service utilization by handicapped persons.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is about the method of providing information and point through ‘keyskin presented keyword’(hereafter ‘keyword keyskin’).

Specifically, internet service users simplify command input process for displaying desired internet service information on computer output device as short key command input by keyword through computer connected to communication network, keyword keyskin covered on keyboard which is one of computer main input devices, software for shortcut key (hereafter ‘hotkey’) detection and keyword keyskin set information process, keyword keyskin set information provision server, service bridge server, service page provision server, etc.

It is for above internet service users to easily perform the activity as, so called, prosumer (combination word of producer and consumer) who is a consumer and a producer for service at the same time as simplifying command input process for point acquisition when using above information.

BACKGROUND ART

Use of computer, wired network and wireless network is already generalized, and the computer and internet were settled as essential tools in general human life such as political, economical, educational field, etc. For example, in private financial transactions, business process by internet and equipments such as home personal computer, PDA phone, notebook, mobile phone, etc is generalized now whereas the business was processed by directly visiting financial institutes in the past, and newspaper and education, etc by internet are already generalized. However, according to recent media reports, it is actual circumstances that Korean people over age of 40 are still excluded from computer and Internet, and many people cannot utilize computer and internet properly other than simple wording, simple internet search or game, and the rich-poor gap of information also becomes bigger as time passed. Since the general procedure of reacting today newspaper through internet is made in several steps such as moving mouse to web browser icon as watching to open Internet portal site→double clicking mouse to execute web browser→either inputting desired newspaper in search box after portal site is open or moving to lower page where only newspaper sites are collected→moving mouse on desired newspaper link after reviewing search lists or lower page with eye→clicking mouse on corresponding link, etc, service users want easier and more simple tools for internet service as reducing such steps.

On the other hand, computer and internet users also want easier tools for prosumer role which is a consumer and a producer of service at the same time.

The most representative one is to accumulate point according to results as using internet service among them. The method and procedure to provide point is different by each company. For example, they should repeat the procedure of joining membership at the internet site of point providing company and logging in with ID and password after opening corresponding site for member login at each site.

For another example, in point accumulation method through intermediary service by intermediary companies who intermediate between advertisement companies and users who want point accumulation as using internet service, since it is generally complicate because of several steps of its procedure such as joining membership of intermediary company by internet service users who want point accumulation of the company, providing banner advertisement to intermediary company by advertiser, receiving the banner advertisement from intermediary company by internet users, posting banner advertisement on internet site such as blog, etc by internet service users for point accumulation and clicking mouse on posted banner advertisement by general internet users, etc, internet users want more simple tools for such serial actions to accumulate point naturally while using internet.

If displaying above keyword on keypad, replaceability and portability is decreased due to the nature of keyboard, but if composing service according to this invention after displaying keyword on keyskin, above replaceability and portability problems of keyboard can be resolved with maintaining functionality of keyskin.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

This invention is for internet service users to use desired internet service by short key command through keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket (refer to 120 of FIG. 1 individual extruded area of keyword keyskin corresponding to each key on keyboard hereafter ‘key pocket’) covered on keypad and to accumulate point at the same time as thinking out to improve existing background art like above.

Technical Solution

The ‘keypad’ in this invention generally calls hardware coverable for keyword keyskin among keyboard types which are main input devices of various computers, and also the ‘keyword keyskin’ calls hardware displaying certain software short key description on the hardware, so called keyboard skin or keyboard cover, used as covering above keypad with domestic characters or foreign characters, special characters, image, etc. And this calls keyboard skin realizing the design registered to utility model right in Korea as the number of 20-0226085-0000 on Mar. 23, 2001.

Also, the short key command in this invention is desired to be operated by so called ‘global hockey’ which is operated in whole computer operation system not only in the level of individual application program. The operation method of keyword information displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket according to this invention and point service for achieving above purpose and resolving existing technical problems has characteristics that include: the stage of transmitting keyword keyskin set information request signal according to keyword keyskin type covered on keypad to keyword keyskin set information provision server by service user computer connected to internet network; the stage of receiving above signal, inquiring keyword keyskin set information and unique identification value of keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media, based on received data and transmitting inquired data to service user computer by above keyword keyskin set information provision server; the stage of receiving above transmission and storing received keyword keyskin set information and unique identification value of keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media by above service user computer; the stage of receiving short key command input through keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket covered on keypad, inquiring value corresponding to received short command and unique identification value of service user and keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media, creating internet service request signal based on inquired data and transmitting created request signal to service bridge server by above service user computer; the stage of receiving above requested signal, inquiring service user point and the records of keyword keyskin set information provision server and unique identification value of service bridge server and requested keyword related data in recording media based on received data, calculating and storing service user point and the records of keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media, creating internet service request signal based on inquired data and transmitting created request signal to service page provision server by service bridge server; the stage of receiving requested signal, inquiring service user point and the records of service bridge server and request keyword related service page data in recording media based on received data, calculating and storing service user point and the records of service bridge server in recording media and transmitting internet service page to service user computer based on inquired data by service page provision server; the stage of printing above transmitted service page on display device by above service user computer.

Advantageous Effects

According to this invention, it has effects of contributing to improvement of informatization level of internet service users, bridging rich-poor gap of information and increasing internet service utilization of the handicapped since users can very conveniently use internet service with only one time hotkey as watching various internet service related keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket due to improvement of above existing background art.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows hardware and network according to an example of this invention,

FIG. 2 shows flow chart for service process according to an example of this invention,

FIG. 3 shows flow chart for the process setting basic data to service user computer according to an example of this invention,

FIG. 4 a-4 f are drawings indicating that keyword keyskin type can vary, with expanded figure of keyword keyskin according to an example of this invention.

BEST MODE

As shown in FIG. 1, it can be composed of ‘service user computer’ (110) such as personal computer, notebook, PDA phone, etc which are generally used by internet service users, expanded figure (120) of ‘keyword keyskin’ and ‘key pocket’ covered on keypad which is main input tool of service user computer, ‘keyword keyskin set information provision server’ (130) providing keyword keyskin set information according to keyword keyskin set information type covered on keypad of service user computer, ‘service bridge server’ (140) handling point according to request keyword and use records of internet service user, ‘service page provision server’ (150) handling point according to request keyword information, unique user identification value, unique identification value of service bridge server, etc created through service bridge server and transmitting service page to service user computer and ‘internet network’ (160) connecting above service user computer, keyword keyskin set information provision server, service bridge server and service page provision server through internet. Also, service user computer and each server embedded the software for service handling according to this invention.

The ‘software detecting hotkey operated in service user computer’ (hereafter ‘hotkey program’) includes a function of setting keyword keyskin type, a function of transmitting corresponding keyword keyskin set information from keyword keyskin set information provision server if keyword keyskin type is set, a function of setting unique identification value of service user such as service user ID, etc and a function of detecting hotkey signal created as corresponding keys on keypad under keyword keyskin is pressed if service user press corresponding hotkey by a keyword on keyword keyskin key pocket.

The program operated in above hotkey program and each server is not subordinate to specific operation system or hardware. If comparing interrelations among service page provision server, keyword keyskin set information provision server and service bridge server with modern industrial society, it can be said that the service page provision server is corresponding to advertiser, the keyword keyskin set information provision server to the advertisement company and service bridge server to advertisement distribution company.

Also, the records of each server can be managed in cooperation with record management program as including unique identification value of server to transmitted signal as above.

MODE FOR INVENTION

At first, terminologies used in this request are as follows:

unique identification value: distinguishable value to identify object like ID, computer IP, social security number, i-PIN (Internet Personal Identification Number), and etc,

service user point: server user's business performance according to the service of this invention,

server record: server's business performance according to the operation server of this invention.

Detailed contents of this invention are described with attached drawings.

Although practice examples were explained in detail according to practice form of this invention as referencing drawings and contents of those drawings attached below, this invention is not either restricted or limited to them. The same reference number suggested in each drawing represents the same member.

FIG. 1 is the drawing displaying hardware and network according to an example of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, it can be composed of ‘service user computer’ (110) such as personal computer, notebook, PDA phone, etc which are generally used by internet service users, expanded figure (120) of ‘keyword keyskin’ and ‘key pocket’ covered on keypad which is main input tool of service user computer, ‘keyword keyskin set information provision server’ (130) providing keyword keyskin set information according to keyword keyskin set information type covered on keypad of service user computer, ‘service bridge server’ (140) handling point according to request keyword and use records of internet service user, ‘service page provision server’ (150) handling point according to request keyword information, unique user identification value, unique identification value of service bridge server, etc created through service bridge server and transmitting service page to service user computer and ‘internet network’ (160) connecting above service user computer, keyword keyskin set information provision server, service bridge server and service page provision server through internet. Also, service user computer and each server embedded the software for service handling according to this invention.

The ‘software detecting hotkey operated in service user computer’ (hereafter ‘hotkey program’) includes a function of setting keyword keyskin type, a function of transmitting corresponding keyword keyskin set information from keyword keyskin set information provision server if keyword keyskin type is set, a function of setting unique identification value of service user such as service user ID, etc and a function of detecting hotkey signal created as corresponding keys on keypad under keyword keyskin is pressed if service user press corresponding hotkey by a keyword on keyword keyskin key pocket.

The program operated in above hotkey program and each server is not subordinate to specific operation system or hardware. If comparing interrelations among service page provision server, keyword keyskin set information provision server and service bridge server with modern industrial society, it can be said that the service page provision server is corresponding to advertiser, the keyword keyskin set information provision server to the advertisement company and service bridge server to advertisement distribution company.

Also, the records of each server can be managed in cooperation with record management program as including unique identification value of server to transmitted signal as above.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart to show service process according to an example of this invention. As reference to FIG. 2, service process is described according to an example of this convention. According to FIG. 2, when service user input hotkey command through keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket, the program detecting corresponding hotkey should always be operated. Since it is desired for hotkey in this invention to be operated in whole operation system not in only particular application program, it is normally used after registering to operation system column.

Also, keyword keyskin set information according to keyword keyskin type is referenced when hotkey command of service user proceeded as storing in recording media after receiving them from keyword keyskin set information provision server. For example, when service user press corresponding hotkey to use ‘newspaper’ service, it can directly move to internet service page of the particular newspaper, service user can select particular internet newspaper link as displaying internet newspaper link list on screen or it can move to internet service page after watching advertisement. At this time, all such information is included in keyword keyskin set information.

If service user computer receives hotkey command (220) at hotkey command input waiting mode (210), the computer decides whether it is hotkey related to the service according to this invention (230). It is because service user computer may have other hotkey command other than the hotkey according to this invention. Here, if it is not hotkey related to the service according to this invention, the computer returns to hotkey command input waiting mode but if it is related to the service according to this invention, the computer moves to the next step. It is however desired to stop hotkey command input waiting mode for a while before current hotkey command is proceeded and convert to hotkey command input waiting mode again after the hotkey command is completed, for preventing from inputting other hotkey command prior to current command process. The next step is to transmit the signal including hotkey related keyword information and unique identification value of service user and keyword keyskin set information provision server (240) to service bridge server after inquiring them in recording media.

The next step is to create signal including keyword information and unique identification value of service bridge server and service users, and transmit them to service page provision server after inquiring, calculating and storing user point and records of keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media as based on the signal received by service bridge server (250).

The next step is to transmit keyword related internet service page to service user computer after inquiring, calculating and storing user point and the records of service bridge server in recording media as based on the signal received by service page provision server (260). At this time, service page can be logged in as reference to the unique identification value of service users.

The next step is to display service page received from service page provision server by service user computer on output device (270).

The next step is to either return to waiting mode or close whole service process after deciding whether to return to waiting mode which enables to receive hotkey command again from service users (280).

Closing whole service process is possible at hotkey command input waiting mode (210).

Also, keyword keyskin set information provision server and service bridge server are desired to mediate point accumulation as using internet service without joining membership individually to service page provision server, and transmitting signal is desired to be coded for security.

As shown in flow chart of above service process, the purpose of this invention will be achieved as corresponding keyword and related internet service are instantly displayed on output device of service user computer when service users input hotkey through keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket, and as accumulating point.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the process of setting basic data to service user computer according to an example of this invention.

As reference to FIG. 3, the first keyword keyskin is installed in service user computer, and keyword keyskin type and service user identification value are installed and stored in service user computer.

FIG. 4 a or 4 f ere drawings indicating that keyword keyskin type can vary, with expanded figure of keyword keyskin according to an example of this invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 a or 4 f, specific realization of the service according to this invention in the computer which has 106 keyboard with English QWERTY arrangement, keyword keyskin and Window-XP operation system by MS (Microsoft in USA, hereafter ‘MS’), and they are explained.

The keyword display on keyword keyskin is desired not to be erased easily when service users type.

FIG. 4 a or 4 f expand commonly key pocket corresponding to English alphabet ‘O’ key location on above Korean-106-keyboard.

In FIG. 4 a, keyword is displayed at front view (410) of key pocket and characters of own language and 1st foreign language are displayed at side view (420). When service users press corresponding key pocket with extension key to read internet newspaper, keyboard under keyword keyskin is pressed and internet service page related to keyword ‘newspaper’ is displayed in service user computer. The provided service page can be that of one particular newspaper, that linking to multiple newspapers or that of combination with personally stored internet newspaper site.

Hotkey is desired to be operated when pressing it together with combination of extension key (Ctrl key, Control key, Alt key, Shift key, Start key in MS window, command key in Mac OS, etc. hereafter ‘extension key’) in order not to be overlapped with the function of inputting characters in general keyboard. For example, when pressing Start key in MS windows (hereafter ‘start key’), Ctrl key and above English alphabet ‘O’ key together (normally press extension key first and press ‘O’ key), hotkey command can be input.

Also, the keyword is desired to be displayed not to be easily erased by user typing.

If combining extension key shown in above, several hotkey can be registered and managed by one key.

FIG. 4 a displayed 2 keyword ‘newspaper’ and ‘mobile phone’ in front view of key pocket, and displayed characters of own language and 1st foreign language in side view. When pressing the keyword ‘newspaper’ together with start key, Alt key and ‘O’ key in service user computer, hotkey is operated so that internet service related to corresponding keyword be displayed. When pressing the keyword ‘mobile phone’ together with start key, Ctrl key and ‘O’ key, the hotkey is operated so that internet service related corresponding keyword can be displayed. FIG. 4 c displayed 2 keyword ‘Google’ and ‘address input’ in front view of key pocket and displayed characters of own language and 1st foreign language in side view. When pressing the keyword ‘Google’ together with start key, Alt key and ‘O’ key in service user computer, hotkey is operated so that internet search service related to corresponding keyword be displayed. The hotkey for keyword ‘address input’ is operated when pressing it with start key, Shift key and ‘O’ key, and service user address among service user identification values stored in recording media of service user computer is input to cursor location by program so that computer use convenience be enhanced.

FIG. 4 d displayed keyword ‘total search’ and characters of own language and 1st foreign language in front view, and displayed characters and special characters of 2nd foreign language in side view. When pressing the keyword ‘total search’ together with start key, Alt key and ‘O’ key in service user computer, hotkey is operated so that internet service related to corresponding keyword be displayed. At that time, corresponding characters can be input through keyboards of 2nd foreign language and special characters supported by word processor program so that computer use convenience can be enhanced.

For general information search, GOOGLE.COM site can be used with the process of connecting to internet portal site, inputting search word in character string input box displayed on screen through keyboard, confirming searched list and selecting desired link with mouse. But if desired information cannot be obtained in GOOGLE.COM at this time, the same procedure is repeated after moving to YAHOO.COM or other search site. If it is provided to service users as processing searched information in Web browser with a tab after making such process to be searched at once by hotkey according to keyword ‘total search’, the inconvenient problem of moving several search sites can be resolved. That is, it shows that internet service provision by keyword has many advantages.

FIG. 4 e displayed special characters in front view such as ‘

’ character (special character symbolized raining over open umbrella), ‘

’ character (special character symbolized apple shape), etc. When pressing the special character keyword ‘

’ together with start key, Alt key and ‘O’ key in service user computer, hotkey is operated so that weather information service associated to corresponding special character keyword be displayed. When pressing the special character keyword ‘

’, together with start key, Ctrl key, Shift key and ‘O’ key, the hotkey is operated so that fruit or agricultural product relate internet service associated corresponding special character keyword be displayed.

FIG. 4 f displayed keyword ‘image keyword’ and ‘lecture’ provided by game called Starcraft (name of game produced by Blizzard Co. USA) in front view. The game can be easily played through corresponding game image in service user computer and when pressing keyword ‘lecture’ together with start key, Alt key and ‘O’ key, the hotkey is operated so that video lecture service related to corresponding game image keyword can be displayed. Since even computer literates spend much time and money in learning new specialized S/W, the drawing in the figure shows that if keyword keyskin is manufactured as composing with application program short key and internet service keyword which help easily using individual application program, utilization of keyword keyskin can be increased. This invention is also possible to be realized as combining at least more than two servers among keyword keyskin set information provision server, service bridge server and service page provision server, which is thinkable by persons who have general knowledge in technology field including this invention to improve efficiency of server operation. For example, it is within the range of claims of this invention that two servers of ‘service bridge and service page provision server’ and keyword keyskin set information provision server are presented after integrating service bridge server with service page provision server. The service operation software according to this invention is not limited to the program by particular company, and also computer readable recording media includes all kinds of recording devices which store data readable by computer system. For examples of computer readable recording media, there are CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, ROM, RAM, optical data storage system, etc, and it also includes the device realized as the form of carrier wave (i.e. transmission through internet). And in computer readable recording media, computer readable code can be stored and executed with distribution method as distributed in computer system connected by network.

The desirable application examples of this invention are displayed and explained above, but this invention is not limited to particular applications described above and generally knowledge persons in the technical fields including this invention can apply it with modification without overstepping bound of the essentials claimed in this invention, and its modification will be within claims of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMBER

-   -   110: Service user cDmputer     -   120: Figure of ‘keyword keyskin’ and ‘key pocket expansion’     -   130: Keyword keyskin set information provision server     -   140: Service bridge server     -   150: Service page provision server     -   160: Internet network     -   410: Keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket     -   420: Own language character (Korean character)     -   430: 1st foreign language character (English character)     -   440: 2nd language character     -   450: Special character 

1. An information and point service operation method by keyword keyskin, comprising: transmitting a keyword keyskin set information request signal according to keyword keyskin type covered on keypad to keyword keyskin set information provision server by service user computer connected to internet network; receiving the signal, inquiring the keyword keyskin set information and unique identification value of the keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media based on received data and transmitting inquired data to the service user computer by the keyword keyskin set information provision server; receiving the transmission and storing received the keyword keyskin set information and the unique identification value of the keyword keyskin set information provision server in the recording media by the service user computer; receiving a short key command input through keyword displayed on keyword keyskin key pocket covered on keypad, inquiring value corresponding to received short command and unique identification value of service user and the keyword keyskin set information provision server in the recording media, creating internet service request signal based on inquired data and transmitting created request signal to service bridge server by the service user computer; receiving the requested signal, inquiring service user point and the records of keyword keyskin set information provision server and unique identification value of service bridge server and requested keyword related data in recording media based on received data, calculating and storing service user point and the records of keyword keyskin set information provision server in recording media, creating internet service request signal based on inquired data and transmitting created request signal to service page provision server by service bridge server; receiving the requested signal, inquiring service user point and the records of service bridge server and request keyword related service page data in recording media based on received data, calculating and storing service user point and the records of service bridge server in recording media and transmitting internet service page to service user computer based on inquired data by service page provision server; displaying the transmitted service page on display device by above service user computer. 